The Senators are ready to get down to business with defenceman Wade Redden.

Two league sources told the Sun yesterday that the Senators will have a face-to-face meeting with Redden and his agent Don Meehan tomorrow in Toronto.

It's believed Senators GM John Muckler, who will wrap up pro-scouting meetings today in Niagara Falls, will go armed with a long-term deal to try to keep the 28-year-old from testing the market July 1, when Redden is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent.

Though Muckler held a meeting with Redden when the club was eliminated by the Buffalo Sabres earlier this month, this will be the first chance for the sides to sit down to discuss the future.

It's possible the Senators could get a deal done with Redden tomorrow, but more than likely the meeting will set the tone for negotiations and indicate where both sides are.

MAY SEEK $6.25 MILLION

There's talk in NHL circles that Redden, who made $3.74 million (all terms US) last season and has played his entire career with the Senators, will be seeking $6.25 million per year.

Ideally, the Senators would like to keep Redden and Zdeno Chara, who will also become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, at the same price for next season -- possibly in the $5-million-to-$6-million range.

That, however, could prove to be difficult.

Not only has there been talk that several teams -- including Florida, Toronto, Edmonton and Vancouver -- are prepared to take run at Redden, there are also 29 other teams licking their chops for Chara.

Both players have expressed an interest in staying with Ottawa, but the reality is owner Eugene Melnyk may only be able to keep one.

A source told the Sun the New York Rangers are prepared to offer Chara $8 million per season if he does decide to test the market.

SPEZZA HAS SURGERY?: Senators centre Jason Spezza played through a lot pain in the playoffs, but was still able to amass 10 points in 14 games. According to a Sportsnet report last night, Spezza had "minor" back surgery yesterday in Los Angeles after having serious discomfort during the post-season. The report said Spezza had what was described as an "arthroscopic" procedure.